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Week of Remembrance

2021 WOR: Preparing for Our Future

 Day 1  |  Day 2  |  Day 3  |  Day 4  |  Day 5  |  Day 6  |  Day 7

 

 

Today is the twenty-seventh anniversary of a single shift on the South Canyon Fire that took the lives of 14 firefighters. We use this solemn day to remember that instance as we culminate a week of reflection to honor all our sisters and brothers who have perished in the line of duty. We honor them through learning.

Walkway lined with memorial plaques and surrounded by green grass, brush, and trees.

Wildland Firefighters Monument, Boise, Idaho.

We have used this week to reflect on the twentieth anniversary of the Thirtymile Fire. We studied this incident using some of the tools developed partly because of this fire’s tragic events. Lessons from Thirtymile have changed the wildland fire service in several ways. One such change is that Thirtymile influenced the shift in focus from accident investigations toward learning reviews and the emphasis on studying unintended outcomes rather than fault-finding after an incident. At the time Thirtymile occurred, these concepts were in their infancy. Today the culture has changed and more readily embraces learning. The events surrounding the Thirtymile Fire helped bring that change.

We reviewed responsibilities of Followers, New Leaders, and Leaders of People. Consider how individuals at the other Levels of Leadership have learned from Thirtymile and other events. Consider how leaders at all levels have applied these lessons to change the wildland fire service.

We also studied how group dynamics impact situation awareness, communication, and decision-making.

We looked at the importance of caring for ourselves and others in the aftermath of traumatic events.

On this final day we ask you to think about what you have learned from this week of reflection. Identify what lessons and insights you will use in future operations.

A purple ribbon symbolizing remembrance of those who have passed away.Discussion Questions:

Within your group, discuss the most impactful lessons from the week.

  • Think back to day one of this week, how did you answer the question “What have you learned from Thirtymile already?” What new learning have you added through these exercises? What have you learned from the experiences of others?
  • What topics stood out to you from this week?
  • What did you learn about Leadership Levels?
  • What lessons can you apply today?

We, as fellow firefighters, sincerely hope you never experience something like Thirtymile, South Canyon, or Yarnell Hill. But you might. Are you ready?

Remember, we honor our fallen through learning.

 

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Week of Remembrance

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal